TCATS #465 - Over the Rainbow

Last week, the new choir members (just recently graduated from Choir School) joined us for their first Music & the Spoken Word  broadcast. It was fun to feel their excitement and to know that all of their family members and friends would be tuning in--hoping to see a glimpse of them on camera. Many a-text would be sent to them afterwards with exclamations of "We saw you! Congratulations!" and those texts would undoubtedly include a picture taken of them as seen on TV. Unfortunately though, at the end of the broadcast, we were informed that there was an issue with the audio feed and the tech guys had to make the decision to cut over to a former recorded broadcast (of several years ago). It was super sad. All of their hard work to learn the music and all of the anticipation they'd be on camera and singing with all of their hearts to reach "the one" out there who needed to hear them...

The silver lining was Mack's decision to re-do the broadcast at a later date in May. 

With all of that said, today, then, was actually the "first" broadcast for the new people that was seen by those tuning in around the world. And it was a good program with a full house of in-person audience members. Mack gave them all glowing praise and admonished the rest of us to not only capture some of their excitement, but to display that excitement on camera.

I think the song that impacted me the most today was the classic "Over the Rainbow". For me, that song made me a bit melancholy and wishing that I could visit whatever's on the other side of the rainbow. Some might say "Well Ryan, there's really nothing on the other side of the rainbow--it's just the other side and you can see clearly what's there." Yes, well, that's true, technically. But I imagined the other side of the rainbow being a place that was just full of peace, love, and happiness--where everything was good and right and true. 

After the broadcast, we continued our prep for the upcoming tour--which is 47 days from now. I can't divulge our high-level itinerary as it's not been made public yet. However, I can say that we'll be having three concerts, a couple of sightseeing opportunities, and maybe a couple of service opportunities as well. I'm excited to be roommates with my friend Wes and am looking forward to talking more to other choir members in general, since we never really get much time to do that.

The only other thing I wanted to mention today was how nice it was to take our 20 min break OUTSIDE. The fresh, warmer air was heavenly and shooting the breeze with some of my buddies was nice. Despite all of the construction surrounding the Tabernacle grounds, it will still a beautiful moment.

Until next time, God be with you.

TCATS #464 - A Tidbit or Two.

I don't have too much to report on today even though it's been a few weeks since I last posted. General Conference, as well as the Easter-themed Music & the Spoken Word, have both come and gone and we're now looking ahead to our tour to Mexico City in June. While it's not been announced yet exactly what songs will comprise our tour repertoire, I suspect we'll be singing many of the same songs that were performed on previous tours. The two songs I know for sure will be included are the ones with movement: Ah El Novio!, and Betelehemu. Mack gave us directions on Thursday night to look over these two numbers so that we could start rehearsing them this coming week. I'll need to take some time to do that since the last time I performed those was in 2018. Along with those two songs, I'm sure we'll also include as many Spanish songs as we can (we have two learned, and perhaps a couple of others might be on their way). 

While I didn't stay for much of the "Release Program" today (the program each April where we say farewell to those leaving the Choir), I do have a few thoughts to share about this prevailing tradition. 

It struck me the other day as I was thinking about it that it's a bit odd that we have this tradition in the first place. There is no other calling in the entire Church that is attached to such a grand farewell. Cameras today were taking snapshots of each of the individuals within this "release group"; video cameras were focusing in on them as they sang their last Music & the Spoken Word; they were recognized by Lloyd Newell after the MSW program had concluded which generated about 30 seconds of clapping and a standing ovation; they were spotlighted in this Release Program following MSW in which those attending watched a short video of each of the releasees--videos that included thoughts and experiences about their choir experience overall; and they were given a plaque at the end of the program along with a photo shoot opportunity.  

I think about the Relief Society president who labors for years loving and serving and sacrificing for the sisters in her ward; I think of the teachers who prepare lessons every week, praying and pondering on their materials and delivering it to the members; I think of the bishop of a ward who serves for 4-6 years carrying such a heavy load as he cares for hundreds of people and their spiritual and temporal needs; I think of the stake president who usually serves upwards of 9 years, overseeing the thousands of people in his stake. And heck, let's not forget the nursery workers who are probably the real stars of the show! My point is, the only recognition these folks get at the end of their service is contained in the momentary act of members raising their hands to signify a "job well done!". That's it. 

So why should choir members receive so much more? 

It just doesn't make sense. At least to me. 

Ah well. A lot of things lately don't make sense. 

And until they do (or until next week), God be with you.

PS: my favorite song today that brought me a measure of much needed peace was "Hear Him". It's one of the things I'm trying to do better at it--hearing God, recognizing when He speaks to me, and understanding how best to move forward with personal revelation. You're invited to listen to that song yourself and receive. . .